By Vivian Daniel

In a renewed push to bring the anti-corruption fight closer to ordinary Nigerians, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a strengthened collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, a move officials describe as critical for restoring trust in public institutions at the grassroots.

According to a press statement signed by the ICPC’s Spokesperson, John Okor Odey (ANIPR), on Saturday, 29 November 2025, the visit marks another milestone in the ICPC’s broader strategy to build lasting institutional partnerships that not only fight corruption but also rebuild public confidence in governance at the grassroots level.

During the courtesy visit, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Alexander Chukwurah (fsi), set the tone with a clear message: local governments matter, and the Commission is intentionally prioritising them because they are the closest tier of government to the people.

He stressed that prevention, not after-the-fact punishment, is Nigeria’s most cost-effective path to reducing corruption. Central to this strategy is the ICPC’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Governments (ACCP-LG) initiative, which seeks to raise awareness, strengthen internal processes, and reshape behaviour within local government operations.

Chukwurah explained, “The ICPC’s mandates, Enforcement, Prevention, and Public Education, are all designed to influence behavioural change.” He added that the Commission’s message often faces resistance because it “challenges entrenched norms and traditions,” but reaffirmed that continued engagement with local government authorities remains essential.

The Ministry, for its part, welcomed the renewed partnership with strong enthusiasm. The Permanent Secretary, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the ICPC as “a strategic partner and an integral part of the Ministry’s success story,” noting that accountability and transparency remain the foundation of the Ministry’s work. She pledged readiness to work with the Commission in sensitising workers across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in the state.

The Honourable Commissioner, Bolaji Kayode Robert, further amplified that commitment. He praised ICPC’s focus on preventive anti-corruption strategies and highlighted the importance of engaging communities across Lagos State’s five traditional zones – Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Central, and Epe. He assured that the Ministry is ready to support the ICPC in expanding awareness and deepening ethical standards across local government institutions.